Westbrook Leads Final Rolex 24 Practice

Richard Westbrook put the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Racing Corvette DP on the top of the time sheets during the final Rolex 24 practice on Friday. (F. Pierce Williams/LAT Photo)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Local race fans will have no problem finding a car to cheer for in Saturday’s 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona.

After qualifying second on Thursday, Spirit of Daytona Racing driver Richard Westbrook was fastest in Friday’s final practice before the debut of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and the Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup.

Westbrook ran a lap of 1:39.256 (129.121 mph) in the No. 90 Corvette DP to lead the one-hour session. He will be joined racing for the Daytona Beach-based team by Michael Valiante and Mike Rockenfeller for Saturday’s race that begins at 2:10 p.m. ET.

“It’s nice knowing that we have the pace to be contenders under our right foot,” Westbrook said. “We’ve had a real nice build up for the Rolex 24. The car is fast and comfortable to drive. This is the first time I’ve been at the Rolex 24 in a DP where I can say I have a chance to fight for the win. We’ve got the pace. Now, we have to stay out of trouble and give ourselves a chance. We’ll give it a go.”

Earlier in the day, the pole winner in the GTD class was changed yet again. After winning the GTD pole in Thursday’s qualifying in the No. 48 Paul Miller Racing Audi R8 LMS, Christopher Haase’s time was disallowed in post-qualifying inspection. After review by IMSA supervisory officials, however, the post-qualifying infraction penalty was rescinded on Friday morning, putting the Audi back on the pole.

“We were not as much concerned about the pole as our interpretation of the rule,” team owner Paul Miller said. “Qualifying position is not very important in a 24-hour race. We were concerned about the rule that was in dispute, and were very upset with the way it was initially handled. We’re grateful that IMSA took a deep breath, took a good look at the rule, and changed their minds.”